around Melrose £2.00 Paths Around Melrose Contents Route Distance Location Page Route 1 2 miles/3 kms Newstead Circular 8 Route 2 4½ miles / 7 kms Darnick and Gattonside 10 Route 3 3½ miles/5.5 kms Gattonside Circular 12 Route 4 7½ miles/12 kms Housebyers 14 Route 5 6 miles/10 kms Abbotsford and River Tweed 16 Route 6 4 miles/6.5 kms Eildon Hills Path 18 Route 7 3 miles/5 kms Tweedbank and Abbotsford 24 Route 8 8 miles/13 kms Melrose and Old Melrose 26 Route 9 9 miles/14.5 kms Rhymer’s Route 30 Route 10 8 miles/13 kms Bowden Circular 32 Route 11 9 miles/14.5 kms Cauldshiels Loch and 36 River Tweed Route 12 8½ miles/13.5 kms Leaderfoot Circular 40 2 12 4 12 5 3 7 3 2 12 7 2 1 12 8 2 1 11 5 5 6 11 8 8 6 9 6 10 11 10 Paths AroundMelrose 9 9 10 9 10 3 Paths Around Melrose Travel Information Introduction Melrose is well served by public transport, This booklet describes 12 circular routes in with regular bus services to and from a the Melrose area, with 11 of them starting number of towns in the Scottish Borders. from the town centre and 1 close to Darnick Connections are available to Edinburgh, or from Tweedbank station. Alternative start Carlisle, Berwick-upon-Tweed and beyond. points are suggested where appropriate. The Border Weaver hop-on hop-off bus Melrose is an excellent centre for walking service links Tweedbank railway station with nestled below the Eildon Hills and close to settlements and visitor attractions (including the River Tweed. However, there are many Abbotsford) in the central Borders, through other places to explore which this booklet March to November. will help you to discover. The routes are especially suitable for walkers, and other Opened in 2015, the wonderfully scenic users may not be able to use all parts of the Borders railway links Edinburgh with routes where there are steps or stiles. Tweedbank close by. Trains run approximately every half hour. From Tweedbank station it is The routes described vary from shorter possible to walk to Melrose (approximately strolls exploring the local villages and the 1½ miles / 2½ kms) either following the River Tweed to more strenuous hikes into the Southern Upland Way along the River nearby hills. Each has a summary giving the Tweed or on a tarmac path adjacent to the distance, estimated time to complete, start B6374 road past the Waverley Castle hotel and finish points and an indication of the (see map of route 2). Pedestrian access from terrain to be expected. They include much Tweedbank station to Abbotsford (1 mile/ historical, mythological and natural interest 2kms) is shown on the map of route 7. which is alluded to in the text. Further information is available from the Visitor For the motorist, Melrose is easily reached Information Centre and other local sources from either the A7 or A68 via the A6091. in Melrose. Car parking is available in the town. Melrose For more travel information visit The history of Melrose and its satellite villages www.travelinescotland.com of Darnick, Gattonside and Newstead is one of dispute, warfare and, surprisingly, an overall sense of peace and well-being! Set between the grandeur of the Eildon Hills and the renowned River Tweed, its lands and buildings have been settled, fought-over, sacked and re-settled a number of times in the last 2000 years or so of habitation. From the Roman occupation at Trimontium, through significant changes in the Middle Ages coupled with a constant threat and occasional invasion from both north and south, the town has survived to this day with a legacy of fine buildings, mostly still intact. Many of its inhabitants, including Sir Walter Borders railway Scott of Abbotsford together with prominent 4 Paths Around Melrose Melrose Market Square Stunning views from the Eildon Hills names in the fields of science, discovery and managing land and water. The Act sets out sport, have contributed greatly to the name where and when access rights apply. The of Melrose being widely known around the Code defines how access rights should be world. exercised responsibly. Walkers are Welcome In August 2010, Melrose was awarded General Advice ‘Walkers are Welcome’ status becoming Before setting off on longer walks, always the first town in the Scottish Borders to be check the weather forecast and prepare recognized as a place which has something yourself accordingly, but remember that special to offer walkers. Obtaining WaW weather conditions can change rapidly. status brought a number of benefits as the Remember that hot weather, causing criteria required to join the growing network sunburn and/or dehydration, can be just of WaW towns included those designed as debilitating as rain or snow. Always to benefit walkers, local services and the carry adequate cover for your body in all general visitor. This helped to strengthen the conditions. reputation of Melrose as a place for visitors to come and enjoy the outdoors and brought On longer hill walks you should always wear benefits to the local economy. or carry good waterproofs, proper walking boots, windproof clothing, and take food and drink with you. These provisions may not be Access in Scotland necessary on the shorter, low level walks, but The Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 and the a light waterproof and refreshments are still Scottish Outdoor Access Code came into worth taking, just in case. When out on the effect in February 2005. The Land Reform hills a map and compass should be carried (Scotland) Act establishes a statutory right of to aid navigation. responsible access to land and inland waters for outdoor recreation, crossing land, and some educational and commercial purposes. The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives detailed guidance on your responsibilities when exercising access rights and if you are 5 Paths Around Melrose Take great care when walking Dogs should also not be taken into fields of on country roads cattle when they have calves, as the cows see a dog as a threat and may attack it and you. ● Pavements or paths should be used if Go into a neighbouring field or onto adjacent provided. land. During the bird breeding season (April ● If there is no pavement or path, walk on – June) keep your dog under close control the right-hand side of the road so that or on a short lead in ground nesting areas. you can see oncoming traffic. You should take extra care and Without a dog, if you go quietly through - be prepared to walk in single file, livestock areas, keeping a safe distance from especially on narrow roads or in poor stock and watching them carefully, you light, should experience little or no difficulty. - keep close to the side of the road. Please leave gates as you find them and ensure that if you have to open a gate, you It may be safer to cross the road well before close it securely behind you. a sharp right-hand bend (so that oncoming traffic has a better chance of seeing you). Cross back after the bend. ● Help other road users to see you. Wear carry something light coloured, bright or fluorescent in poor daylight conditions. Know the Code before you go... Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors - Toilet Facilities responsibly! There are public toilets on Abbey Street Enjoy Scotland’s outdoors! Everyone has (between the Abbey and the Square) and at the right to be on most land and inland water for recreation, education and for Melrose rugby ground (seasonal). going from place to place providing they act responsibly. Livestock These access rights and responsibilities Many of the paths in this booklet pass are explained in the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. The key things are: through livestock farming areas. Please remember that the farmer’s livelihood may When you’re in the outdoors: ● depend on the rearing and sale of livestock, take personal responsibility for your own actions and act safely; and always behave responsibly. ● Dogs can be a particular concern for farmers respect people’s privacy and peace of mind; during lambing time (March – May) and ● help land managers and others to work when cows are calving (Spring & Autumn). safely and effectively; Dogs therefore should not be taken into fields ● care for your environment and take where there are young livestock. This your litter home; includes all young livestock such as lambs, ● keep your dog under proper control; calves and foals. ● take extra care if you’re organising an In more open countryside where lambs event or running a business. are present, keep your dog on a short lead. Find out more by visiting Disturbance at this time can separate young www.outdooraccess-scotland.com or telephoning your local Scottish Natural livestock from their mothers leaving them Heritage office. cold, hungry and exposed to predators. 6 Paths Around Melrose Health Warning! Waymarking and Maps The routes are usually waymarked with Infections from animals can cause serious human illness. Stay safe from diseases when the distinctive yellow and black ‘Melrose out in the countryside by: Paths’ discs except where paths follow other waymarked walking routes (see key below) a. Washing hands with soap & water (or where the discs have not normally been used. use wet wipes) after visiting the toilet, after activities, touching animals and before handling, cooking and eating food An Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50 000 b. Taking care to avoid spreading animal or Explorer 1:25 000 map should be used in faeces on footwear conjunction with this booklet to help identify c.